Mingling & Jingling on the Square

By RALPH HARDIN

ralphhardin@gmail.com

“Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feet …”

The City of Marion, with a little help from the A& P Commission and the Moms of Marion, turned the Courthouse Square into a Christmas wonderland on Monday with the 3rd annual Mingle & Jingle tree lighting and holiday celebration.

After getting rained out last week, the event was pushed up a few days and this time, the weather cooperated. There was just enough chill in the air to add to the holiday atmosphere as the crowd gathered to ring in the Christmas season. The students of Steudlein Learning Center provided the countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree and then led the crowd in some Christmas carols.

There was plenty of fun festivity to be had, with free hot cocoa from the First Student Ministry, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Gingerbread House, a Nativity- themed petting zoo, food trucks, vendor booths, and even a little “snow” courtesy

See MINGLE, page A3

Pretty lights all aglow… the Courthouse Square Christmas tree lights are up and shining after the annual Mingle & Jingle tree-lighting celebration.

Photo by Ralph Hardin MINGLE

From page A1

of Greenway for the kids to frolic in.

And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the kiddie train giving children of all ages a trip around the Courthouse Square.

The local holiday celebration continues tomorrow night when the “Holly Jolly” Marion Christmas Parade makes its way through town, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Santa Claus and his lovely wife were on hand to take Christmas wish list requests from the kiddos.

Photos by Ralph Hardin

Of course, there’s the traditional family photo by the big Christmas tree.

Let it “snow” – or at least a reasonable facsimile.

The Steudlein students make a joyful noise to ring in the holiday season.

Of course, some feel the Christmas spirit a little stronger than others…

TOP LEFT: Walking in a winter wonderland!

TOP RIGHT: The Marion First Baptist Youth were on hand to distribute free hot cocoa on a cool December evening.

BOTTOM LEFT: Don’t leave without making sure you’ve written your letter to Santa!

BOTTOM RIGHT: Not necessarily a “manger,” per se, but you get the idea. RIGHT: All aboard the holiday train. Next stop, the North Pole!